Easter is such a wonderful time of year! Not only is it the time when the seasons do begin to change (thank goodness for the light mornings again!) but through the death and resurrection of Christ - hope has returned. The angel’s message is one which brings wonder, joy, awe and fear. However, far from being debilitating, this fear energises. The women at the tomb are commanded not to be afraid but to go quickly and tell the disciples. The emphasis here is on the word ‘quickly’. Do not hesitate in bringing this great news to others: Jesus Christ is Risen!

I wonder how quickly we will be able to spread this message..? Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for life to 'take over' and the beauty of this wonderful season to be lost. Let us pray that this year we can hold on to the miracle of Jesus' resurrection through our thoughts and actions towards others!

As we begin this Summer Term, it is hard to believe that two thirds of our school year are now over... the coming term brings us the chance to build upon all we have learned and to get ready for the new opportunities and possibilities ahead of us. This term our Y6 children will take their SATs tests and then undertake a residential visit to Waterparks. They will also have their 'Moving Up' day when they visit their secondary schools. Many of our Y3 children will make their First Holy Communion and the class will be celebrating with other Y3 classes from Blackpool Catholic Schools as we celebrate an open air mass at St Mary's on the feast of Corpus Christi. We will have a visit in June from the Life Education Bus, be auditioning for a 'Pop Idol' for this year as well as enjoying our celebrations of all our successes through the year. (See dates section for these in detail)

As you will have heard in the news, many schools are facing severe budget cuts this year and I'm afraid Our Lady's is among those experiencing a loss to our overall budget amounts this year. Although this may not adversely affect us this new financial year, we may have to face changes in the future. This may mean that things such as payments for music lessons etc will have to be paid in advance for the term/half-term, as no arrears in payments will be able to be managed by school/no subsidies for trips will be able to be paid for etc. We will of course let families know of any changes in advance.

We have some new sports clubs beginning this term - a 'track & field' club for Y2 & Y3 and a cricket club for Y4 & Y5. We look forward to being able to take some children to events at Blackpool Youth Sports week at Stanley Park later in the year.

Again if I could remind parents about the front car park... we cannot allow for parents to be driving here to drop children off for clubs etc. This car park is for staff and deliveries only. If your child is coming to a club then they can come into the normal playground and the door to the hall will be open there to meet their coach in the morning. The gates to the car park will be closed with access only for staff in morning. I'm sure you will support us in this as we try to ensure safety and clear access for everyone.

I wish you all a very Happy Easter Season as we move towards Pentecost and the end of the school year. I know the children will be ready for the term ahead and we look forward to working with them in this term to help them achieve all they can.

Our Lady’s aim is to provide happy, secure and exciting learning opportunities and hope that we can work together to achieve the best for your child, and look forward to working in partnership with you.